Basically I was not successful in securing a summer placement with some of the larger firms earlier this year and made the decision to concentrate on coursework and exams. I am now regretting this decision and wonder if anyone is aware if it is still possible to gain some experience during the summer months?

Just apply for anywhere and everywhere and fight for what you can get. I failed to get a summer placement with a big firm (bitter rejections from Shephard+Wedderburn and Turcan Connell), but applied to millions of other places and now have placements with the procurator fiscal, a firm in Falkirk, and the Scottish Law Commission.

If all else fails, try and get something during the winter months, or prepare thoroughly for next summer's intake.